Olympic champion Lizzy Yarnold has returned to training ahead of Pyeongchang 2018 ©Getty Images

Reigning Olympic champion Lizzy Yarnold has returned to training ahead of Pyeongchang 2018 after recovering from the “emotional exhaustion” which prompted her to take an extended break from skeleton.

The Briton announced she would embark on a year-long rest away from the sport in September 2015 but has cut that short in a bid to be in the best possible form for the 2016 to 2017 season as well as the next edition of the Winter Olympic Games.

Yarnold had dominated the women’s skeleton before opting for a spell on the sidelines as she completed her career Grand Slam by sealing International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) World Championships gold in Winterberg, Germany in March 2015.

It was the one crown to have previously eluded the 27-year-old Bath-based slider.

She had previously claimed Olympic gold at Sochi 2014 before she went on to secure IBSF World Cup gold the same year and the European crown in Igls, Austria in February.

Yarnold will split her summer training time between GB Skeleton’s base in Bath and her home in Portsmouth as she targets a return to competition for the first race of the season in December of this year.

Lizzy Yarnold is already targeting a successful defence of her Olympic title in Pyeongchang
Lizzy Yarnold is already targeting a successful defence of her Olympic title in Pyeongchang ©Getty Images

“It feels great to be back in the swing of things with my teammates as we prepare for the upcoming season on ice,” Yarnold said.

“Having had last season away from the competition circuit, I do feel incredibly refreshed and a world away from the emotional exhaustion that I was suffering from.

“Having a year to solely focus on training in the gym reminded me of what I love most about my job - challenging yourself physically and mentally to be better than you’ve been.

“Training in the gym with just those physical goals was liberating and helped me to re-focus on what I want to achieve in my sport.  


“Most importantly, I needed the time away to mentally refresh and have a break from the demanding competition schedule.

“I learnt that I didn’t have to be at my best all of the time and that sometimes it’s ok to take some time for yourself."

Yarnold is hopeful she can rediscover the form which elevated her to the summit of her sport before she decided to take a break and says Pyeongchang 2018 is the main target.

“I’d like the World Championship trophy back on my mantelpiece and retaining my title at the 2018 Olympics is of course in my sights," she added.

“More so than the accolades, I am even more motivated to be a better slider than I was before.

“I have to prove that, not for others, but for myself.”